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| Risk: Ash Fall |
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A Guide to Managing Volcanic Eruption Risks
Mount St Helen’s in neighboring Washington State has rumbled to life again. A lot has been learned since its first eruption in May of 1980. Agency Safety Advisors with employees, facilities or property in the area most likely to be affected by ash fall should prepare.
This RisKey will cover ash fall related risks:
- Risk: Ash Fall
- State´s Office Closure Policy in the Event of an Ash Fall
- Health Risks
- Injury Risks
- Risk to Property
- Travel During or After an Ash Fall
- Personal Family Disaster Plan
- Additional Resources
Risk: Ash Fall
Volcanic ash is rock pulverized into a fine, gritty dust and expelled from the volcano during eruptions.
- It is abrasive. And it may be corrosive. Generally ash is not considered “toxic.”
- Accumulated ash may be very heavy.
- Ash is slippery when wet.
- Ash fall can block sunlight. This will reduce visibility. If the ash is thick enough it may cause darkness.
- Ash fall can be accompanied by lightning.
- The ash can be carried many miles from the eruption site. Distance and direction will vary.
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| State's Office Closure Policy |
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Designated state authorities will determine if an ash fall poses a hazard sufficient to curtail operations or close state offices. An ash fall may be considered a “hazardous environmental condition.” It may or may not be sufficient to interrupt business. Be familiar with the state policy on Temporary Interruption of Employment (pdf).
State operations in the Portland area would be the most likely to be affected. Some agencies will need to continue to operate regardless of the conditions. Agencies should review their Business Continuation plan with employees.
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| Health Risks |
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Ash may cause skin irritation, eye abrasions and breathing problems. Infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments will be most affected by the ash. But employees who must work outdoors or must clean up ash should take extra precautions.
- Avoid breathing in ash.
- Use a “dust mask” when outdoors. A respirator rated as n-95 should provide adequate protection and are generally available.
- Prevent ash from getting into the eye.
- Use snug fitting goggles when outdoors.
- Rinse immediately with copious amounts of fresh, tepid water if ash gets into the eye.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact with ash or clothing or items covered by ash.
- When outdoors wear clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Wear gloves and foot wear that prevents ash from settling inside the shoe or boot.
- Use head gear to protect the neck and as much of the face as possible.
- Clean the clothing periodically to prevent ash load build-up.
- Clean the skin with fresh water to remove ash
Information about the health effects of volcanic ash, injury prevention and preparedness is available on the Oregon DHS Public Health Web page. See Volcanic Ash Facts.
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| Injury Hazard |
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Low light, reduced visibility, slippery surfaces and lightning can all lead to serious physical injury. Ash is extremely slippery when wet.
- Prevent slips and falls.
- Wear footwear appropriate to conditions.
- Dry sweep walk ways as soon as possible.
- In low light conditions, turn on outdoor lighting.
- Drive with extra care.
- Use headlights. Reduce speed. Leave extra stopping distance.
- Leave extra time for travel.
- Ash may seriously scratch the windshield and reduce visibility. Gently dust ash build-up off surfaces. Avoid rubbing. If possible, before running windshield wipers, use a hose, vacuum or air to remove ash. If using air to blow off surfaces, wear eye protection.
- If you work outdoors during an ash fall be aware that lightning can accompany an ash fall.
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| Risk to Property |
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Ash is gritty and abrasive. It can abrade metal. Wet ash can corrode metal if not cleaned. It may jam machinery, clog ventilation filters and drains and contaminate water supplies. In addition to the increased threat of lightning strikes, heavy ash causes electrical short circuits. Power outages should be expected during and after ash fall.
Accumulated ash may pose a risk to structural integrity of a building. The weight of ash can cause roofs to collapse. A one-inch layer of dry ash weighs 5-10 pounds per square foot. Weight increases to 10-15 pounds per square foot when wet.
- Prepare for electrical interruption.
- All IT equipment should be protected by surge protectors and have a UPS with a minimum 10 minute reserve.
- Prevent ash from entering the building.
- Close doors and windows.
- Filter all air coming into building HVAC.
- Contact your agency Facility Manager to learn how to protect your building interior.
- Cleanup and protection of DAS-owned building exterior.
- If an eruption and subsequent ash fall is minor, DAS Facilities will depend on its existing intake air filters to prevent the ash from entering into the building through ventilation systems. Ash fall in the Portland and Salem area is dependant on the winds blowing in a Westerly or Southwesterly direction from Mt. St. Helens. The prevailing wind direction is typically to the East. DAS Facilities will closely monitor wind direction and speed and include this information in the decision making process.
- If an eruption and subsequent ash fall is severe (which is not expected), DAS Facilities will make arrangements to shut down ventilation systems during this time. If this happens, DAS Facilities will coordinate with the DAS Directors Office and Agency Directors regarding the State´s Office Closure Policy.
- If the ash fall is severe, DAS Facilities will make arrangements to have the ash removed from state-owned buildings to prevent roof damage, scratched windows, etc. Unless absolutely necessary, tenants should wait for assistance from DAS Facilities prior to cleaning up the ash from outside the building. Tenants in DAS owned buildings should not attempt to remove the ash from windows or other surfaces by wiping with a rag, towel, paper towel, etc. as this will cause scratching. If it is necessary to remove ash, prior to DAS Facilities providing assistance or direction, the ash should be blown off surfaces with air, vacuumed, or blotted with a rag, towel, paper towel, etc.
- If state employees attempt to remove ash from surfaces, windows, etc. they should follow the above protocol to avoid damage.
- If the agency is in a leased facility, they should immediately contact their landlord for assistance and/or instructions.
- Protect indoor equipment
- Thoroughly clean equipment contaminated by ash.
- Increase cleaning and maintenance cycles.
- Protect vehicles
- Avoid damage to windshields and finishes by rinsing, vacuuming or blowing ash from surface. Do not rub. Use eye protection.
- Avoid using air conditioning.
- Keep vents closed.
- Check air filters frequently. Change as needed.
- Check with your agency Fleet Manager for precautions.
- DAS-owned vehicle covered with ash.
- Only remove as much of the ash from the windshield and windows as necessary in order to safely drive the vehicle to the closest Motor Pool for appropriate cleaning and maintenance of intake filters, brake cleaning, etc. If available and feasible use air to blow off the ash, vacuum, dry method of blotting, or rinse the ash away with water. If it is necessary to remove the ash with a rag, towel, paper towel, etc. blot rather than wiping, this will cause scratching.
- If the employee is not able to go to a Motor Pool for assistance they should contact the Fleet Field Service Coordinators at 1-800-378-0077. They will make arrangements for the vehicle to be taken to a service station for cleaning. If possible, the cleaning should be done by blowing the ash off with air. If air is not available, the vehicle can be washed off. If it is necessary to use a rag, towel, etc. the employee should blot off the ash. However, the employee should not wipe the vehicle with a rag as this will cause scratching. Air filters, intake systems, etc. should be checked as soon as possible.
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| Travel During or After |
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If you must travel long distances be prepared. In addition to regular emergency supplies, add:
- Dust masks and eye protection.
- Extra air and oil filters and extra oil.
- Extra windshield wiper blades and windshield washer fluid.
- Cell phone with extra battery. Emergency phone numbers.
State-owned vehicles on the road when the ash is falling.
- Only continue driving if the vehicle can be driven safely. Windshield wipers should only be used if necessary in order to drive safely, as this will scratch the windshield. If employees need to use a rag, towel, paper towel, etc. to remove the ash, they should blot rather than wipe off the ash. As soon as possible, go to a service station or car wash to remove the ash with air, vacuum, or water spray.
- As soon as possible, the employee should take the vehicle to the nearest Motor Pool for appropriate cleaning.
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| Additional Resources |
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New: 10/2004
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